Smart Mobility Architecture
SMARC ( "Smart Mobility ARChitecture " ) is a specification of the Standardization Group for Embedded Technologies eV ( SGET ) for Computer-on- Module ( COM). SMARC Computer-on- modules are specially designed for the development of extremely compact low-power systems. SMARC modules are usually based on ARM processors, but can also be equipped with other low-power SoC architectures, such as those based on x86 SoCs. The power requirement of the modules is typically well below 5 watts which opened markets that previously could not be achieved by the power-hungry processor designs.
Computer-on- modules integrate the core functionality of a bootable computer, as well as additional SoC circuits, including DRAM, boot flash, stress distribution, display and Ethernet transmitter. The modules are used together with an application-specific carrier board, whose size and shape can be customized specifically defined. The carrier board performs the required interfaces and integrates additional functionality when needed, such as audio codecs, touch controller, wireless communication interfaces, etc.
The SMARC specification also defines the dimensions of the module, the placement of the mounting holes, and the connector to the carrier board and the most important interfaces between them from the pin-out. The pin-out is optimized for the interface options ARM and low-power SoCs and is distinguished by the purposeful focus on low power and mobile applications from traditional PC interfaces.
SMARC based on the 2011 presented by the company Kontron and Adlink form factor ULP -COM. As part of the specification by the SGET the standard in SMARC has been renamed.
Dimensions
SMARC defines two module sizes: • 82 mm x 50 mm for extremely compact low-power designs • 82 mm x 80 mm for powerful SoCs with an increased space and cooling requirements
Connector
SMARC Computer-on- modules have 314 card-edge connectors on the circuit board of the module ( PCB), which is taken from a low-profile connector on the carrier board. The connector has a height of 4.3 mm in the rule. It is also used for MXM 3.0 graphics cards, naturally with completely different pin assignment.
Signal lines and pin assignment
The signal transmission takes a total of 314 pins. With 33 signal lines reserved for the power supply and ground, thus are effective at SMARC 281 signal lines available. Among the defined interfaces include ARM and SoC typical, energy-saving interfaces such as parallel LCD for display connectivity, Mobile Industry Processor Interface for cameras, Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI ) for general peripheral connectivity, I ² S audio and I2C. In addition, however classical computer interfaces such as USB, SATA and PCI Express are defined.
In the current version of the specification SMARC are not assigned to all the signal lines 314 fixed I / Os. The Alternate Function Block ( AFB ) holds free pins for different requirements ready. It should ensure that the SMARC specification can also integrate upcoming, as yet unforeseeable technological developments flexible, while maintaining full compatibility with previous designs. On one hand, can assign these 20 signal lines of the AFB new standard features enhanced versions of SMARC specification. On the other hand, lists the SMARC Specification 1.0 is currently the MOST bus ( Media Oriented Systems Transport ), dual Gigabit Ethernet, SuperSpeed USB, or industrial network protocols as currently conceivable and definable interfaces of the AFB.
Specification
The SMARC hardware specification V1.0 is hosted by the SGET. It is freely available on the SGET website for download.